Celtic are now said to be in active talks over the possible sale of Arne Engels. The midfielder is likely to leave Parkhead this summer having been a standout player for the Hoops despite still only being 22 years of age.
It's clear the Belgian has top-end talent, and clubs down South are already well aware of it. Engels put up with Celtic rejecting a bid of more than £20million back in January, knuckling down and helping the Hoops win a league and cup double.
But having done Celtic a solid by sticking around and working hard, the club will feel as though they must return the favour by agreeing a sale this summer, as long as the right offer comes in.
A number of clubs are showing interest, particularly down South, and it's likely the transfer fee will be around £25million this summer, with Engels still under contract for another couple of years.
Celtic now in active Engels talks
Engels has been heavily linked with a number of clubs, but it now looks as though Championship club West Ham are in serious talks over a deal.
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has reported on X: "UPDATE: West Ham are in talks to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels. A number of Premier League clubs also hold an interest in the Belgium international, with Nottingham Forest having a £25m bid rejected on Deadline Day in February. Engels has two years left on his contract."
West Ham have plenty of money this summer, having sold Sandro Tonali for £85million, while Crysencio Summerville has been sold for £60million.
The Iron have the financial means, but they need to try to convince Engels to join up with a Championship club in the presence of Premier League interest. The likes of Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland have been linked, along with a number of European clubs.
West Ham are likely to be in a good position to win promotion back to the Premier League, and Engels is likely to be offered a starring role, rather than having to compete for a starting role in the Premier League.
The Iron are also likely to be willing to pay a big wage, but Engels had the chance to join a Premier League club in January, and the lure of the most popular league in the world could prove a problem for West Ham. As for Celtic, one would hope they stand firm by their £25million asking price during these talks.
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